poking

Poking is probably one of my least favorite technological dinosaurs still left over from the golden age of social networking. However it’s one of my favorite ways of dispatching zombies. Due to the fence in the drawing above I haven’t labeled this image the way I normally do and there’s lots to consider.

First of all, fences like the one pictures aren’t strong enough to hold back a horde so they can’t be the only form of defense (bad pun) you are using. This is just an example of a barrier that will keep the zombies at arms length while you use a reusable tool, a rod or a spear of some sort to finish them off. This might mean poking them through the boards of a boarded up window or even through the open window of a car if you have to. The point is, keep them vulnerable, keep yourself save and cary a big stick.

The big overwhelming advantage here is being able to take out a large number of zombies on your own with a reduced risk to yourself and the survivors you’re with while not expending ammunition or other limited supplies.

There are some distinct disadvantages. Though a sharp stick is one of the most basic weapons available to humans since the dawn of our tool making days, they can also be harder to use than they appear. You run the risk of losing the tool if zombies get hold of it and start pulling it out of your hands. Plus there is always the possibility that the stick will get stuck on or in something and you’ll be unable to get it back.

In this illustration I’ve placed the survivor above the zombie to give her the best vantage point looking down on the zombie and also the best way to put her weight into the thrust. This also carries risks as it’s possible to overdo one’s balance and end up falling over hurt. For best effect the object should be smooth so that it can be easily retracted, sharp, so it pierces the head quickly, and light so that you don’t get tired as quickly when you use it.